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Listen first
We take time to understand what’s urgent, what has already been tried, and what the veteran wants to happen next.
Real conversationsReal peopleReal support
Volunteer-led outreach · Sacramento, California
Helping veterans find home, hope & purpose.
We help veterans and their families move from a moment of crisis to a trusted connection—through personal outreach, housing navigation, and community partnership.
An independent, volunteer-led initiative currently developing nonprofit and funding partnerships.
Our approach
Real families. Practical action. Trusted partners.
Immediate help for veterans
How we help
Outreach that stays with the family.
Veterans in crisis rarely need one more referral sheet. They need someone who will listen, find the right door, and help them get through it.
Dandelion Veterans Initiative was founded by Loretta Dahlberg to help bridge the distance between veterans and the organizations equipped to serve them. Our role is personal: identify the need, build trust, and connect the family to appropriate housing and stabilization support.
Firsthand HUD-VASH experience
We know how difficult the system can be.
Our understanding comes from firsthand experience. As a HUD-VASH household, Dandelion Veterans Initiative's co-founders have personally navigated the veteran housing system—from case management and housing authority requirements to portability, reasonable accommodations, paperwork, and finding the right person to contact when the process stalls.
We know that getting connected to a program doesn't always mean the difficult part is over. That experience is at the heart of Dandelion. We help veterans and their families better understand their options, ask informed questions, connect with appropriate resources, and keep moving forward.
We don't just know the programs. We know what it can be like to navigate them.
Our outreach approach
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Navigate resources
We help families make sense of housing and stabilization resources instead of leaving them with another list of phone numbers.
Housing solutionsGuidance through systemsA stronger tomorrow
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Make warm connections
We connect veterans to trusted providers—including Nation’s Finest—so the handoff begins with context, dignity, and momentum.
Trusted partnersPersonal introductionsReal progress
Already receiving HUD-VASH?
A path worth asking about
Homeownership may be possible.
If you already use a HUD-VASH voucher, ask whether the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program could help you move from renting toward owning a home.
Availability and eligibility depend on your local Public Housing Authority and individual circumstances. Start by speaking with your housing authority and VA case manager.
Partnership makes the difference
Help us turn the next conversation into stability.
Our early work has been personally funded by our founders. We are now building relationships with veteran-service organizations, public agencies, community leaders, grantmakers, and responsible local partners who share one goal: helping veteran families remain safely housed and supported.
Immediate help · Available 24/7
You are not alone. Make the call.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1
Support for Veterans and their loved ones.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
877-4AID-VET
Call 877-424-3838 for help with housing, health care, benefits, and community services.
Connect with Dandelion
Every strong partnership starts with a conversation.
Loretta DahlbergFounder & Veterans Advocate916-460-1174info@dandelionveterans.orgConnect with Loretta on LinkedIn ↗
Gerald T. Dahlberg Jr.Co-Founder & Outreach SpecialistUnited States Air Force Veteran530-708-2939gdahlberg@dandelionveterans.org
Sacramento, CaliforniaApproved VA Business Partner access
Veteran eligibility verification through VA SQUARES
Dandelion Veterans Initiative's co-founder has an approved SQUARES user account through the VA Business Partner portal. With the Veteran's permission, we can provide confidential, in-person eligibility verification using the official VA SQUARES system.
Government-issued photo ID requiredSigned consent requiredIn-person verification only
Dandelion Veterans Initiative is independent and is not operated by or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.